Yemen's Presidential Leadership Council Dismisses STC Leader Aidarous al-Zubaidi on Treason Charges

Yemen's Presidential Leadership Council (PLC) has expelled Aidarous al-Zubaidi, leader of the Southern Transitional Council (STC), accusing him of high treason and referring him to the public prosecutor. The PLC's decree, signed by Chairman Rashad al-Alimi, alleges that al-Zubaidi harmed the republic's military, political, and economic standing, formed armed gangs, and committed acts against military personnel.

The STC, backed by the United Arab Emirates, has been at odds with the Saudi-supported PLC. Tensions escalated when al-Zubaidi reportedly declined to attend talks in Saudi Arabia. The Saudi-led coalition stated that al-Zubaidi failed to board a flight to Riyadh and alleged he mobilized forces in Aden, distributing weapons to create unrest.

In response, the STC claimed that al-Zubaidi remains in Aden to ensure security and stability. Amr al-Bidh, an STC official, stated, "While a senior STC delegation is in Saudi Arabia pursuing negotiations, the President remains in Aden to ensure security and stability."

The PLC's decision to expel al-Zubaidi underscores the deepening rift among anti-Houthi factions in Yemen, complicating efforts to present a united front against the Iran-aligned Houthis, who have controlled the capital, Sanaa, since 2014. The ongoing conflict has resulted in over 150,000 deaths and a severe humanitarian crisis.